Wins from two tough games have given the Charlton women’s team confidence they can challenge for the FA Women’s Premier League title this season, says defender Ruby Southgate.

The Addicks recorded their fifth and sixth wins in a row on Sunday and Thursday against Lewes Ladies (2-1) and West Ham United (3-1) respectively.

Both games were “battles” and Southgate was pleased her side could come out on top both times, setting themselves up for win number seven this Sunday (26 Oct, 2pm KO) against local rivals Gillingham at Sporting Club Thamesmead.

She said: “It was a battle but we had a game like that on Sunday as well so we were more than ready for it and in the end our quality showed.

“That’s the sign of a good team, when you don’t play as well but can still grind out the result so hopefully the performances will come but as long as we’re winning that’s all that matters.

“That’ll be another battle I’m sure but we’ll be ready for it and hopefully we can bring our performance as well and really show everyone what we’re made of.”

One of a number of Charlton’s starting eleven playing against their former club in the Hammers last night, Southgate was named as PHSC plc Player of the Match with an impressive performance at right back.

And, after the Addicks progresses into the quarter finals of the Ryman Cup with the win, where they will face Maidstone United, she believes they can add yet more silverware to the trophy cabinet after their Capital Cup success last season.

“Yeah it’s always nice [to beat former club West Ham],” she added. “We played them last season. I only played the away game and it was probably the best I played last season so it was nice to play a full 90 against them this year.

“Winning the cup last year was really good and hopefully we can win one, two maybe three this year – I think we’re capable of it.”

Meanwhile, Charlton currently sit just one point behind joint league leaders Portsmouth and Cardiff in third place and Southgate believes they have proved they can challenge the best in the league.

An impressive 4-1 win over pre-season favourites Brighton and Hove Albion gave the side renewed confidence and a repeat in two weeks’ time in Lancing could further enhance their title credentials.

“I don’t think we’ve played anyone we’re not capable of beating. Even when we played Portsmouth [and lost 2-1], that shouldn’t have been the result, it was a draw at least.

“I think we’re more than capable of going on and winning the league but we just have to keep our heads, keep grinding out the performances and keep winning.

“We completely proved ourselves [the Brighton] game and I think it worried a lot of people that game. Hopefully we can carry on worrying people.”